Tackling kids' sport safety with Dr. Higham

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Just 4 KiDDS is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Higham will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Higham is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Just 4 KiDDS.

Just 4 KiDDS Halloween Candy Buy Back

Would you like to turn your Halloween candy into cash? Dr. Higham would like to invite our patients to participate in the Just 4 KiDDS Halloween Candy Buy Back.

All children ages 12 years-old and younger are invited to bring their wrapped Halloween candy to Just 4 KiDDS on Monday, Nov. 1 from 5:00- 7:00pm to receive $1 per pound of candy. Participating children will also receive a toothbrush, and a voucher for dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

Candy that is collected from the Halloween Candy Buy Back will be donated to our troops overseas through Operation Gratitude.

For more information on the Halloween Candy Buy Back, don't hesitate to give Just 4 KiDDS a call at 208-932-0467.

Dr. Higham, protecting your child from cavities this Halloween

With Halloween only two weeks away, Dr. Higham knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of our Idaho Falls, ID young trick-or-treaters.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important to follow these simple tips to prevent cavities this Halloween:





• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

For more information on cavities and your oral health, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Higham at your next appointment.

Artificial sweeteners and your child’s health, from Just 4 KiDDS

Dr. Higham knows that there is always a lot of debate in the health community about the health effects of artificial sweeteners, and aspartame is most surely one of the most controversial food additives to ever be approved by the FDA. Here at Just 4 KiDDS, we try to provide you with the most up to date information on topics relating to the health of our patients and their loved ones. That is why we want to share with you a few facts that we recently learned in a Huffington Post article.

Did you know that aspartame is now sold under many commercial names, including NutraSweet, Canderel, and AminoSweet? Yes, that’s right. When checking nutrition facts, it is important to keep an eye out for all of these ingredients! This sweetener can be found in diabetic foods, jams, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, soda, and even prescriptions and vitamins.

What’s so harmful about aspartame?
With over 10,000 official complaints, aspartame reactions are more commonly reported than that of all other food additives combined. Of these reports, two-thirds consist primarily of headaches, mood alterations, and hallucinations. Determining your nutritional type and the foods that your body craves is key to satisfying sugar cravings. The recommended fructose level is below 25 grams per day, which includes both natural and artificial sweeteners.

Next time you're in for an appointment with Dr. Higham, let us know if you have any questions about aspartame or this article. As always, please remember to use a straw if you choose to sip soda, coffee, or other dark colored beverages to take care of that beautiful smile!

What are patients saying about Dr. Higham and team?

Dr. Higham and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Just 4 KiDDS, serving Idaho Falls, ID and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Friday!

"Just 4 Kidds makes it so easy to take my children to the dentist. From the toys in the waiting room and the movie theatre to even the "children's lingo" that the dentist and assistants use around the kids, to say that I was impressed is an understatement. I recommend them for anyone with children.‎" ~Brigette

"I can't tell you how impressed I was. They were on time, fast, and my kids loved it. By far the coolest dental office I have ever been in. I used to hate taking the kids to the dentist. With 6 kids, I would be stuck for hours. The staff was great to work with and they even have a movie theater for the kids that are waiting. A+ in my book!‎" ~Jenifer

"I am very impressed with the Just 4 KiDDs dental office. I experienced very little time in the waiting room (my kids wished it was longer because of the fun toys to play with and movies to watch). Dr. Higham works very well with my children!! My daughter had to go back in for another visit a few days later because she needed a cavity filled and she was counting down the days because she was so excited to go back to the dentist. She has never ever done that before. The service was very fast and efficient and the staff was wonderful and very welcoming.‎" ~Micah